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A Comparison of Vitamin D Levels in Nondiabetic and Diabetic Patient Populations

Robert M. Yoho, DPM, MS ^*, Jill Frerichs, DPM ^*, Nicholas B. Dodson, DPM , Robert Greenhagen, DPM  and Simon Geletta, PhD 

^* College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA.
West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
Division of Health Management, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA. Dr. Greenhagan is now with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.
College of Health Sciences, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA.

Corresponding author: Robert M. Yoho, DPM, MS, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines University, 3200 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312. (E-mail: robert.yoho{at}dmu.edu)

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to compare the vitamin D levels in a cohort of nondiabetic patients to populations of diabetic patients with and without Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Methods: A total of 41 participants (22 male, 19 female) with a mean ± SD age of 59 ± 9.43 years had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels tested. Fifteen participants composed the nondiabetic group; 13, the group with diabetes but without Charcot neuroarthropathy; and 13, the group with both diabetes and Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Results: The results of the study showed that the vitamin D levels in both diabetic populations were significantly lower (P < .05) than the nondiabetic population. There was no statistical difference between the group with diabetes but without Charcot foot disease and the group with both diabetes and Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, given the importance of vitamin D in bone metabolism and the osseous consequences associated with diabetes, as well as other systems affected by low levels of vitamin D in the diabetic patient, it appears that vitamin D levels should be monitored in diabetic patients. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(1): 35–41, 2009)